It is valid to say we are spoiled here. The Chesapeake Bay is easily assessable and quite lively with events scheduled on/in it, and for many of us, a body of water–be it a creek, river, or something smaller–is also close. All this water yields more than simply aesthetic and perhaps athletic entertainment; rather, we reap the benefits of local, freshly caught seafood. Thanks to our clever ancestors who developed much of Annapolis, plenty of restaurants are positioned on the water, affording us delectable seafood that likely comes from the same body of water viewed from inside. It’s a wonderful life in Annapolis and the seafood restaurants we catalog below certainly contribute to that sentiment. Take time to enjoy the flavors of the area that you are privileged to taste!
Arnold
The Point Crab House and Grill, located in Arnold, Maryland, sits on Ferry Point Marina. The one-year-old restaurant specializes in fresh oysters, crabs, and classic Maryland food with a fresh twist. The food created there isn’t just “fresh” in the recent sense of the word, but is fresh because it is innovative and original. For instance, one of the salmon selections there is nearly deconstructed: the dish features piles of smoked salmon, house-made chips, chopped deviled eggs, and other various toppings. The crabs are really the star of the show as they are straight from the Chesapeake Bay and Magothy River, Wye River, and Chester River. The seafood is so fresh there, it may not always be available. This isn’t inconvenient for diners; this proves the integrity of the restaurant to only serve fresh seafood. The prices are market price for steamed crabs and oysters. Look to www.thepointcrabhouse.com to get directions and book your trip.
Also in Arnold, right on the Magothy River, is a hidden gem called Deep Creek Restaurant and Marina. The drive from Annapolis is less than twenty minutes, and is completely worth the expansive water views of a quiet river. As this is Maryland, the crab cakes there are a must and have been recognized by various contests. The scallops via dishes like Scallops Sante Fe and Fruits from the Sea, are also succulent and surprisingly, affordable for lunch at $13.99 and $16.99, respectively. Peruse more of the offerings at www.thedeepcreekrestaurant.com.
Annapolis
Buddy’s Crabs and Ribs is right on Main Street in downtown Annapolis. The restaurant sells a range of seafood: everything from blue crabs to fish entrees. If you can’t get enough, partake in the all-you-can-eat seafood and raw bar buffets. To learn more, head to www.buddysannap.com.
Cantler’s Riverside Inn prides itself on seafood so much that its slogan reads: “Where he watermen gather.” This inn is located on Forest Beach Road and celebrated for its shrimp, crabs, steamed hardshell crabs, and numerous fish available as the seasons change. If you visit the restaurant via boat, you can dock for free! Look to www.cantlers.com to see more.
O’Brien’s Steakhouse isn’t on the water, but is close enough thanks to its location on Main Street. The title of the restaurant hints more at dishes made from ingredients on land; however, the Lobster and Crab Bomb proves otherwise. Other seafood specialties include oyster shooters. Scroll through the online menu at www.obriensoysterbar.com.
Pusser’s Caribbean Grille is visible from City Dock as the restaurant sits on Annapolis Harbor. The restaurant, as you can imagine from the name, features a good deal of tropical-inspired dishes like Jerk Chicken. Even still, classic seafood like Olde English Fish and Chips–Atlantic cod fried and served with fries–is also present. The Rum Barbecued Salmon is also tempting: a fresh filet smothered in “Pusser’s Rum.” Visit Pusser’s on the Web at www.pussersusa.com.
Tucked on the shore of the Severn River and facing the Naval Academy, Severn Inn is quite the desirable dining spot. However, it’s not just the views that elevate Severn Inn to a step above. The food is not pretentious by any means, yet is elegant and incredibly fresh. You’ll notice Maryland crabs is certainly a trend shared amongst the seafood restaurants here, but Severn Inn thankfully puts a creative twist on crabs with the Crispy Maryland Soft Shell Crabs Tempura, a lightly fried crab dish with veggies on the side. The Garlic and Herb Crusted Shrimp is also worth mentioning, as it uses creaminess to enhance the sweet shrimp. Severn Inn has plenty of additional seafood dishes that demand attention from taste buds; view the menu at http://severninn.com.
Eastport
Boatyard Bar and Grill is located at Severn Avenue and 4th Street in Eastport with a view of the water. Not only does the Eastport restaurant feature a raw bar worth raving about, but there is a variety of cooked seafood. The Yin and Yang soup is the perfect example of a creative, fresh dish at Boatyard. It features half cream of crab and half Maryland crab soup, melded together to make Maryland proud. The Cobb Salad there stars a soft shell crab from Crisfield, Maryland (amongst other delicious ingredients). If crabs are not your thing, order the Eastport Steamer Bag, a meal of shrimp, clams, mussels, bratwurst, potatoes, and corn cooked in beer. Visit Boatyard’s site, www.boatyardbarandgrill.com, for the full menu. 
If you’ve ever walked the bridge that connects Annapolis and Eastport, you’ve probably seen Carrol’s Creek Cafe (above). This restaurant is situated on Severn Avenue in the Annapolis City Marina, with excellent views of the water that flows in and out of the marina and the boats docked there. The scallops are considered one of the house specialities, and are prepared with in phyllo dough with crab and proscuitto on the side. The Maryland crab soup there was, according to the site, voted as the best in Maryland. It’s true to say this cafe is elegant and very much dependent on its location on the water for its food and ambiance. Look to www.carrolscreek.com to read further.
O’Leary’s Seafood features seafood that is nearly too perfect and lovely to eat. Located on Third Street, the restaurant supplies seafood enthusiasts with local flavors via dishes like Whole Rockfish Provencale, a dish of Maryland Rockfish and vegetables; and the Fried Calamari served with spicy aioli. Savor these O’Leary’s seafood dishes while staring out into the yacht-filled harbor. Go to www.olearysseafood.com to see photos and read more.
Wild Country Seafood is owned by local Eastport resident and currently sits on Bay Shore Avenue with a view of Back Creek. The Rockfish Sandwich is among one of the enticing seafood dishes there, which is caught near the restaurant, battered, and served to you. The Crab Wontons are a second brilliant choice. These are fried wontons filled with tasty crab imperial. If you’re looking for local seafood, know the crabs at Wild Country Seafood are sourced from the Chesapeake region. The site, www.wildcountryseafood.com, tells more of the fresh seafood and how it is used there.
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